The missing link: logistic studies pave way to Alaska's future.

• Author: Bohi, Heidi
• Position: EDUCATION - Column

You will never look at the shirt hanging in your closet quite the same way.

In fact, behind every garment of clothing you own is an around-the-world journey. Beginning from the bolt of fabric it came from, to the department store it's displayed in are teams of people, quality laboratories, and transportation providers and technologies that work in tandem with internal and external resources worldwide to get the garment to the right customer in the right market. At the right time in the right condition and for the right price.

Academically speaking, it is known as the study of logistics, today more commonly referred to as supply chain management (SCM). For the consumer shopping, it is simply the science of better, faster, cheaper.

As the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Logistics Department celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, there's not a lot of time for back-patting in a day and age when this industry is quickly becoming the pivotal sector on which both the Alaska and global economy are increasingly relying as it drives the direction of economic development. In fact, keeping up is not the issue--catching up is the biggest challenge as industry focuses on increasing the efficiency of its supply chain more than anything else.

NEED FOR QUALIFIED HELP

As the industry grows, so does the need for SCM professionals in Alaska. To add to the urgency, Alaska's work force does not have the logistics expertise it needs, especially in light of the potential impacts of mega natural resource development projects, such as the anticipated natural gas pipeline and the development of Pebble mining project. Industry leaders agree in order for the state to grow, it must have skilled people leading the way, which requires training and education in the diverse areas of SCM that will generate economic growth.

As it did in its first decade, the department continues to look at ways it can prepare the state's work force in logistics by growing the program so the discipline is introduced to more students at an earlier age, eventually resulting in professionals with a keen knowledge of what international trade and exporting encompasses and what it means for Alaska's economy. Transportation economics, technology, finance, global economics, administering contracts, negotiation strategies, procurement, government regulations and cultural considerations are just a few of the sensitive areas setting international logistics apart from the domestic market.

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